In fire pump systems, a tank that provides suction to a pump when its capacity is less than demand is known as what?

• A. Jockey Tank
• B. Suction Tank
• C. Break Tank
• D. Buffer Tank

Answer: (C)

In fire pump systems, the break tank is a suction-side reservoir that supplies water to the pump when the main water source cannot meet demand. It provides a positive suction head and acts as a buffer to smooth out shortages or surges, ensuring the pump can start and operate reliably even as demand rises or supply briefly falls. The jockey pump serves to maintain system pressure and isn’t meant to supply the fire pump’s suction during high demand. A suction tank isn’t a standard NFPA 20 term for this function, and while a buffer tank can describe a similar idea in some designs, the authoritative name for this suction-side reservoir is break tank.